I have a confession to make.
I haven’t been exercising. For quite a while. Over a month. I’ve taken a few walks, played doubles once or twice, but overall my good habit has been out to lunch.
But here’s the thing. Even though I’m a Wellness Coach and staying fit is part of the deal, I haven’t been beating myself up over my sweat free days. Actually, I have been practicing what I talked about in last weeks’ post—being gentle with your damn self. (you can read that here).
You see, this website just went live last month. I am not totally techy and even though I hired someone for web design, there was a ton to do on my part. So exercise—it got moved to the bottom of the list.
The new website “excuse” is why I have gone easy on myself. As I like to say–life happens. There are always going to be things to put us off our regular routine. Marriage, babies, new jobs, new homes, illness, travel, kids—in our own lives or those that we love.
When these life events happen, go with it. Do what needs to be done and make an effort not to feel like a loser or a failure or a slacker for not doing x, y or z (whatever self care habit it is for you; meditation, painting, hiking, yoga, reading, gym, cooking, eating well etc.). Keep that activity alive in your mind. Visualize yourself doing it. Acknowledge to yourself that it is out there waiting when you’re ready. And you will be ready, just maybe not today.
By keeping your thoughts positive, you give yourself permission to be taking a break and then will go back to your habit happily, not out of guilt. The visualization bit prepares your brain to take action when you say go. And when the day is finally right? It will feel fabulous!
Tomorrow I will exercise. It will be hard. My hips will be tight, my face will go beet red, I will be sore afterwards and it will be completely worth it. I trust myself and know that the time is now right.
What’s a habit that has gone by the wayside that you trust yourself to do tomorrow? Please comment below.
Did this post make you feel peachy? Then sign up below to get that peachy feeling delivered once a week right to your inbox. It doesn’t cost a penny and it’s calorie free.
no spam ever–yuck
Image courtesy of [image creator name] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Amy Herlihy says
July 11, 2013 at 6:03 pmGreat post! Thanks for reminding us to be gentle with ourselves and to view “getting back on the horse” as something desirable and not laced with guilt 😉
Erin says
July 11, 2013 at 6:47 pmLorna, This is such a great post. I’ve been working with the coolest leadership therapist for the past 6 months to do exactly what you are talking about above – to be kind with myself and realize when the time is right or not right. It is definitely an uphill battle at work and home, but my new level of awareness and the practice of acknowledgment has made all the difference! It was so nice to read that I’m not alone. Here’s to you!
Love, Erin
breathecommunity.org says
July 11, 2013 at 7:24 pmErin–
I am so glad to hear about your leadership therapist and the work you are doing together. It is an uphill battle–but you are lucky to be starting it so young. Keep up the good work and we will continue to practice together. 🙂
Lorna
Jennifer Murphy says
July 22, 2013 at 6:03 pmI really appreciate this post. I particularly love the thought of trusting yourself. I have exercised on and off for years now. Typically I’ve dwelled on how I’ve fallen off a good habit, but after reading this I think I’ll focus more on trusting myself to get back into the routine – so much healthier! Thank you!
breathecommunity.org says
July 24, 2013 at 6:29 pmSo glad Jen–I hope it makes the difference!